A recap of some of the past week’s scenes, sightings and stories from across the Eastside.

Two men and two women were rescued from a small island in the rain-swollen L.A. River. The group, who were found about a half mile north of Los Feliz Boulevard in Atwater Village, were taken to a hospital in fair condition. L.A. Now

Should the concrete sides of the Silver Lake Reservoir be removed now, while it’s still empty, and be replaced with more natural-looking banks, or should they just be painted? The L.A. Department of Water and Power is deciding. The Eastsider

The city is paying more than ever to cover the cost of employee pension benefits despite efforts by officials to reduce the financial burden. Last year, pension and retiree healthcare benefits cost the city’s general fund $1.04 billion. That’s more than 20% of operating revenue versus less than 5% in 2002. L.A. Times

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held last week at Cal State L.A. for a $13 million complex designed to nurture a fledgling biotech industry on the Eastside and nearby communities. The Eastsider

A Silver Lake teacher who was left disabled by the West Nile virus has returned to the classroom. L.A. Times

Volunteers gathered at the Eagle Rock Baptist Church to pack 750 empty shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for needy children in more than 100 countries. The Eastsider

A Highland Park arson suspect pleaded not guilty to felony charges in connection with an arson fire in the 300 block of N. Kirby Street. Javier Viera is also suspected in several trash container and vehicle fires and has previously been convicted of arson in Pasadena. EGP News

Lewis MacAdams, who raised awareness and support to restore the Los Angeles River, is stepping down as president of the Friends of the Los Angeles River, the advocacy group he co-founded three decades ago. The Eastsider

Photo of the Week

Echo Park | The Eastsider

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